A bit more detailed review for those who might be digging for testimonials like I once was -- I was VERY apprehensive about microblading because, ya know, it's a tattoo on your face! I followed Peilee for months and looked at her work and reviews, and looked for photos of healed brow work. There's no denying Peilee is beyond talented in making the brows every person is dreaming of! I personally love the fluffy soft brow look and had very light hairs, so we went with mostly microblading with a touch of powder brow at the end because my brow tails were severely lacking.
I live in Chinatown, so walking to Peilee's spot near the park was super quick and easy. Her studio is super clean, and she and I were the only ones there. Everything is white, and nice and bright inside. She even offered me the bathroom and to wash my hands before starting anything, because COVID. Masks were worn by both of us during the entire procedure. She started with mapping my brows out using a pencil, and showing me the shape. She definitely was using measurement tools to make sure everything was exact and symmetrical. Not too weirdly symmetrical tho, the nature of microbladed hair strokes makes everything look really natural. Peilee and I spoke about wanting a more natural look, and how it is so much better to start natural and build if you want, either by coming back and adding more strokes in with her, or applying makeup. But hey, if you wanted full powder brows I am sure Peilee could finesse those too!
As for the procedure -- She started the procedure by microblading on clean, un-numbed skin, since the blade and ink takes better to dry, non-oily skin. She told me oils in and around your brow can inhibit the ink from sinking into your skin all the way (so make sure your brows stay dry after the procedure for about 2 weeks to allow for scabbing and the ink to settle). After the first pass through, she numbed my brows and went through again with the microblading. I am sure many are wondering about the pain. As someone who has been tattooed fairly extensively and for decently long periods of time (my most is 3.5 hours at a time) the pain isn't /that/ bad. A lot less wiping with dry paper towels than one might get in a normal tattoo parlor. Peilee is gentle. However, recognize that you're literally getting tattooed on your face, it is going to be a little uncomfortable. For me, the beginning center of my brows was actually the most comfortable, and the microblading at the tail end hurt the most, maybe because there was just more fat and baby like skin over there, and the skin near the center of my face is a little tougher, who knows. But yes, there will be slight discomfort. I PROMISE the slight discomfort is absolutely worth it, and my brows were not swollen red and throbbing when I left either. It is temporary! I am also sure if I asked for a break due to discomfort, Peilee would be willing. She also checked in with me about pain tolerance before this started to make sure I'd be ok trying the microblading with no numbing, so maybe the case would be different for you if you were really fearful of the pain. Overall Peilee was super chill and put on some nice tunes the pass the time. I'll also say she was focused on her work, definitely was not trying to talk my ear off or focus on anything other than perfect brows! I never felt uncomfortable in moments of silence though, I knew art was happening in the background :) Oh, and she recommended some delicious dumplings in the area too (I think they were 6 for $1.25 next door or something like that, so yummy and affordable, it was a treat I could definitely justify after splurging on brows)!
As someone who would spend at least 10-20 minutes fixing my brows to a point where I was MAYBE happy with them, having them microbladed has changed my life! Getting ready is so much quicker, won't have to worry about rain or water melting my face, and they truly shape my face more naturally than any brow product could. I still run a brow gel through them to tame hairs that don't stand up quite the way I want. I always dreamed of being one of those effortless glossier boy brow girls and now here I am! I just made my touch up appointment to fix any spots where the ink didn't take the way I wanted. Cannot wait to see Peilee again, honestly! Thank you thank you Peilee, you are an artist and an angel all wrapped into one!
I'll try to remember to come back and post another photo once I'm healed from second session! read more